School music campaigners have spoken of their ‘extreme disappointment’ after the council refused a motion to save their tuition from the axe - without hearing it.

The Save Our Strings and Percussion protesters were left frustrated when a special council meeting held on Tuesday (April 3) was ended immediately, without their motion being considered.

The refused motion asked West Lothian Council to keep all instrument disciplines in schools by means-testing and then charging for tuition.

Yvonne Hall, a spokesperson for the campaign said: “Dozens of people, including many young musicians, stood in the cold for an hour outside before coming in to the meeting, and couldn’t understand why they were brought there just to be immediately turned away.

“We’re pleased that the provost acknowledged there is a majority of councillors in favour of saving strings and percussion by introducing a fee, but this may not be enough.

“The matter now goes to the Education Executive, on which those councillors in favour of charging don’t have a majority.

“We’re not asking for more funding. All we want is a fair, means-tested charging structure so that everyone can continue doing what they love, and those on low incomes don’t have to miss out.”

West Lothian Council say that the motion was ruled out under the council’s Standing Orders as the future of instrumental music in schools is set to go to the Education Executive on April 17 , meaning the matter is already under consideration.

A council spokesperson said: “West Lothian Council is looking to introduce a revised, sustainable model of instrumental music provision in West Lothian, maintaining a substantial level of tuition for a significant number of young people.

“We are one of very few local authorities in Scotland who still offer free instrumental music tuition, with the majority of councils now charging for lessons.

"We plan to spend around £0.5 million per year on instrumental music, which is not a statutory service therefore does not have to be provided by the council.

"The council is facing estimated budget savings of £65million over the next five years, so it is essential we make savings across the council to allow us to balance our budget.

"The money we receive from the Scottish Government is significantly less than what we need to cover rising costs for our growing young and older populations in particular.”